Sawmill-carriage-offsetting device



Aug. 4, 1925.

H. F. BIEDERMANN SAWMILL CARRIAGE OFFSETTING DE VICE Filed g t 10, 1924 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 I I r on Aug. 4, 1925.

H. F. BIEDERMANN SAWMILL CARRIAGE OFFSETTING DEVICE Filed Oct, 10, 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Tia-i. at; /9 1 l Aug. 4, 1925. 1,548,652 H. F. BIEDERMANN SAWMILL CARRIAGE OFFSET-TING DEVICE Filed Oct. 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Aug. 4-, 1925.

UNITED STATES HUGO F. BIEDERMANN, F TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA.

SAWMILL-CARRIAGE-OFFSETTING DEVICE.

Application filed October 10, 1924. Serial No. 742,842.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HUGO F. BIEDERMANN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Tuscaloosa, in the county of Tuscaloosa and State of Alabama, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Sawmill-Carriage-Offsetting Devices, of which the fol lowing is a specification.

This invention relates to a sawmill carriage offsetting device, particularly to a fluid operated construction by which the log carriage is withdrawn laterally from the saw in its returning movement after each sawing operation.

In this class of devices it is generally necessary to operate the means for offsetting the carriage independently of the driving means for the reciprocatory movement of the carriage upon its tracks or rails and such operation involves a loss of time and renders the offsetting dependent upon the attention of the operator, which is liable to produce inefficient results in a sawing operation.

It is also found desirable to provide for the operation of the offsetting device by a fluid pressure such as air in order to effect a quick and positive movement as the direction of travel of the carriage is reversed, which in my construction is automatically effected incident to the movement for such reversal.

Further it has been found important in the use of a fluid pressure operating means to retain the cylinder member against movement by engagement with the truck axles and to connect the carriage with the piston members which will result in the minimum of friction in operation and consequently require less power as the weight to be moved is materially reduced as the heavier portion of the device is normally retained at rest.

The invention has for an object to present a novel and improved construction of off setting device adapted to be operated by fluid pressure and the operation thereof in opposite directions automatically controlled through connections with a moving part of the carriage truck. a V

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved construction of the automatic shifting means involving a frictionally engaged member which is adapted to operate only during the period of reversal in the direction of drive of the carriage and consequently to shift a controlling member and then remain inactive until the movement of the carriage in an opposite direction.

Another object of the invention is to pro vide an improved consruotion of the fluid pressure offsetting device comprising a rigidly supported cylinder member having opposite chambers to receive cooperating pis tons which are provided with shifting cross heads adapted to impart movement to the carriage and head block thereon upon the introduction of pressure to either of the chambers.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved construction for controlling a piston and cylinder offsetting device by means of the valve mechanism adapted to feed pressure to the cylinders through said pistons and to be automatically shifted at predetermined periods for reversing the operation of the re spective pistons.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will be hereinafter set forth and the novel features thereof defined by the appended claims.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a top plan with parts broken away;

Figure 2 is an enlarged section on the line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a similar view on the line 3-3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an end elevation of the frictional reversing device;

Figure 5 is a side elevation thereof;

Figure 6 is a detailed section through the controlling valve in one position;

Figure 7 is a similar view of the valve in shifted position;

Figure 8 is a detail section of the bracket connection to the carriage;

Figure 9 is a plan of a modified form of the invention;

Figures 10 and 11 are sections on the lines 1010 and ill-11, respectively, of Figure 9; and

Figure 12 is a detail perspective of the shift lever.

Like numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

The invention is adapted for construction as a unit for application to existing sawmill carriages which may be of any desired construction or configuration and supplied with a number of units found necessary for the length of the carriage involved. In the form shown the numeral 10,designates a sawmill carriage of any preferred construc- 5 tion which is provided with bearings 11, as shown by dotted lines in Figure 3 adapted to receive the axles 12 of the truck members, these axles carrying at one end a grooved wheel 13 adapted to engage a track 1 in the usual manner and a carrier wheel 14: at the opposite end.

These shafts or axles 12 are mounted to permit a relative shifting of the carriage thereon and for Unis pur aose the carriage 15 is provided with brackets 15 and 1t secured to-its under face. The bracket 15 is formed with a vertical face 17 having a socket 18 adapted to receive the end of a guide rod 19 which is provided with a shoulder 20 20 to engage said. socket. The opposite end or this guide rod is threaded through a socket 21 carried by a vertical plate 22 upon the bracket 16 and the rod is suitably threaded at A8 to engage this socket. When the rod 25 has been introduced and adjusted in position between the brackets i is preferably loekedin position by a nut 2e thereon. This term of rod is'duplic ated at opposite ends of the bracket and forms a supporting medium tor the cylinderblock 25 the opposite sides of'which are provided with bores separated by a central partition 26 resulting in opposite cylinders 27. At the opposite ends of the cylinder block'extensions 2E) are provided and adapted to engage over the axles 12 by means of a slotted bearing 29 open at one end. This mounting permits theremoval of the o'ltsetting dcviceas a unit from the axles and the connection of the extensions therewith retain the 'bi ck against endwise shifting and also't'he proper alignment of the parallel axles of the truck.

To resist latenl movement of the cylinder block which would be liable to occur in the action of the fluid pressure upon the pistons,'a' stop collar 30 is applied to the axles at one side of the block and a similar collar 31 at the opposite side thereof, the latter of which may be adjusted by means of a clamp device adapted to engage the threaded portion 83 upon the axle. This device may be composedo'l separable members trictionally held in engagement U with the axlehy means of the clamping bolts 3% shown in Figure 2.

The cylinder chambers in'the opposite "faces of the block 25 are adapted to receive cooperatingpistons 35 01"- similar construction and each provided with cross .69 head 36. These pistons may be adjusted in their relation to the partition 26 of the cylinder by means *of clamping members 37 mounted upon the threaded portions 88 of the gu de rods 19, and extending through each of the plstons and cross heads is a Y therewith. 'VlClQd with connecting lugs 57 through which a tension bolt 58 is passed.

feed pipe 39 adapted to supply fluid pressure to either of the cylinders through the pistons therein. The cylinder block being held against movement, it will be obvious that the pressure introduced in the cylinders will act upon the pistons which are the pipe lines and 41 extending from the opposite pistons to a valve chamber 42 which is in communication with a pressure line One form of valve for cooperating in the reversal of the fluid pressure is shown in Figures 6 and 7 and comprises the rotatable b'oc y 44 having a port &5 communicating with the pressure line 43 and with the teed pipe 40 to the pistons at one side of the cylinder partition. This valve when in the position shown in Figure 6 has a portal which communicates with an exhaust opening 4? and with the line 41 extending to the pistons at the opposite side of the cylinder block. The valve 44 is further provided with a longitudinal inlet port a8 for directing pressure to the line 41 from the line 43 as shown by the position inFigui-e 7 and'also with an exhaust port l9 communicating with an opening 50 in the casing and with the line 40 so as to relieve the pressure upon that side of the cylind'er blocs; The pressure line 40 may be 'n'ovided with any desired flexible connection such as alto permit the usual travel of the carriage in the sawing operation.

In the most el'hcient operation of an offsetting device of this character it is important to provide means "for the automatic reversal and a preferred construction thereof is herein shown and comprises a connection from thee-rank arnr53 upon the valve stem to friction straps or hands 55 disposed circumterentially upon the drum 56 keyed upon one of the axles 12 for rotation These strap members are pro- Between the head 5.) of this bolt and one-oi the lugs a tensioning spring (30 is arranged and a nut 61 applied at the outer face of the opposite lug. The tension by which the straps are held in contact with the drum may thus be adjusted to any preferred extent to secure the most efficient and positive operation. The upper ends of the straps are connected to a cross pin 62 from which the operating rod be'tore described extends to the valve mechanism.

'VVith this construction and the parts in the position shown in Figure 2 the valve lever lies in contact with a stop 63 and when the direction ottravel of the truck is reversed the movement of the friction drum carries with it the straps and rod shifting the valve lever into the dotted line position in Figure 2 and into contact with a stop 64 which prevents further movement of the valve and permits the continued rotation of the drum 56 within the strap without further affecting the valve.

It will therefore be seen that the power for reversing the mechanism is automatically applied for a limited interval in each reversal of direction of the truck axle and that in the periods intermediate of such reversal the valve controlling mechanism re mains inactive.

The guide rod bracket before described may be connected to the carriage and the head block carried thereby in any preferred manner, a desirable instance being shown in Figure 8 where the bolts (35 extend through the bracket 15 and the carriage 10 into the base of the head block 66 while the vertical face 17 of the bracket is secured to the carriage by means of a bolt 67 which provides a rigid and positive mounting for the guide rods through which the shifting movement is transmitted from the piston to the carriage.

The general operation of the offsetting mechanism will be apparent from the foregoing description from which it will be seen that when the carriage and its truck reaches the end of its travel incident to the sawing operation. and begins its reverse or return movement, the controlling valve for the fluid pressure is automatically shifted so as to cause awithdrawal of the carriage and head block from its previous position relative to the saw for a .sufiicient distance to prevent possible contact of the log with the saw in the returning movement. A reversal of this operation occurs after the return movement and restores the carriage to proper position for the subsequent sawing operation. The extent of this off-setting may be varied by a proper adjustment of the pistons relative to the cylinder block through the clamping means carried by the guide rods.

Under some conditions of use it is desirable to omit the cylinder and piston arrangement with its cooperating fluid pressure con ncctions and substitute a lever mechanism for effecting the offsetting directly from the friction shifting device shown in Figures 4; and 5. Such modification is shown in Figures 9 to 12 wherein the parallel axles 70 are each provided with a friction drive device 71 similar to those before described in connection with Figures l and 5. These devices are connected by shifting rods 72 to which a reciprocatory movement is imparted at each change in the direction of the travel of the axles of the carriage 69.

The carriage brackets 73 are similar to those at 15 and are connected by the rods 7 a which reciprocate through the block 7 5 mounted upon the parallel axles by the slotted extensions 76 similar to the construction shown in Figure 3. A lever 77 is pivoted at 78 upon a cross bar 79 carried by the rods and has a crank arm 80 connected by a link 81 to a lug 82 bolted'upon the block 75. The longer arm of the lever is connected by a universal coupling 83 with a cross pin 84 carried by the rods 72 which provides for a proper location and operation of the assembled parts.

The operation of this modified form will be apparent from the foregoing description as movement imparted to the lever is transmitted therefrom to the carriage to effect an offsetting movement at the opposite extremities of its longitudinaltravel.

It will be seen that the mounting for the block retains it against either longitudinal or lateral movement while it is supported against vertical displacement by means of the guide rods and is therefore capable of application to a truck of ordinary construction and of convenient removal whenever necessary or desirable for repair or replacement. The automatic reversing means also nesents a very desirable construction as the frictional operation thereof avoids injur to the parts and may be adjusted to any desired extent to secure a proper movement of the valve lever while permitting free rotation of the drum under other conditions. This construction renders the carriage more rigid and steady in operation while eliminating the wear upon the trucks and effects more efficient and economical operation of the mill.

lVhile the specific details of construction have been shown and described, the invention is not confined thereto as changes and alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Let ters Patent is:

l. in a device of the class described, a carriage mounted for offsetting movement, parallel axles carried thereby, a block having opposite cylinders mounted upon said axles intermediate thereof, oppositely mow able pistons for said cylinders, cross rods supporting said pistons and directly connected to said carriage, and means for alternately introducing fluid pressure into said cylinders.

2. In a device of the class described, a carriage mounted for offsetting movement, parallel axles carried thereby, a block having opposite cylinders and mounted upon said axles, pistons for said cylinders connected to said carriage, conduits extending through said pistons for introducing pressure into said cylinders, and a controlling valve connecting said conduits with a source of supply and exhaust.

3. In a device of the class described, a

carriage mounted for offsetting movement, parallel axles carried thereby, a block provided with opposite cylinders and with open bearings adapted to embrace said axles, guide rods extending slidably through said block and connected at opposite ends to said carriage, and pistons disposed in said cylinders and connected to move said rods. 7 45. In a device of the class described, a carriage mounted for offsetting movement, parallel axles carii'ied thereby, a bloc]; provided with opposite cylinders and with open bearings adapted to embrace said axles, guide rods extending slidably through said block andconnected at opposite ends'to said carriage, pistons disposed in said cylinders and connected to move saidrods, and means upon said axles to prevent axial movement of the block thereon.

5. In a device of the class described, a carriage mounted for offsetting movement, a relatively fixed block provided with opposite cylinders, pistons disposed in said cyllnders, guide rods extending slidably through the block and connected to the carriage, cross heads from said pistons connected to move said rods, and means for introducing pressure alternately into said cylinders.

6. In a device of the class described, a carriage mounted for offsetting movement, a relatively fixed block provided with opposite cylinders, pistons disposed in said cylinders, guide rods extending slidably through the block and connected to the carriage, cross heads from said pistons connected to move said rods, means for introducing pressure alternately into said cylinders, and means upon the guide rods for adjusting said cross heads relative to said rods.

7. In a device of the class described, a carriage mounted for offsetting movement, brackets supported at opposite sides of the carriage, guide rods mounted in said brackets transversely of the carriage, a block provided with opposite cylinders therein, means for retaining said block to permit relative sliding movement of said rods, p1stons disposed in said cylinders and provided with cross heads, and means for adjusting said cross heads upon said guide rods. g g V 8. In a device of the class described, a carriage mounted {for offsetting movement, brackets supported at opposite sides of the carriage, guide rods mounted in said bracxets transversely of the carriage, a block provided with opposite cylinders therein, means for retaining said block to permit relative sliding movement of said rods, pistons disposed in said cylinders and provided with cross heads, means for adjust ing said cross heads upon said guide rods, said means comprising a two part bearing engaging the threaded portion of said rods.

9. In a device of the class described for otl'setting sawmill carriages, a cylinder block unit having aligned bores separated by a partition, oppositely movable pistons disposed in said bores, rigid means carried by the pistons for connecting the same to said carriage to effect transverse offsetting movement thereof, and pressure connections extending to the opposite bores of the cylinder block.

10. In a device of the class described, a carriage provided with wheels and axles, opposite fluid pressure cylinders having pistons therein connected for effecting a transverse movement of said carriage upon said axles, a rotary valve for controlling the fluid pressure to said cylinders and pistons, pipes extending from said valve through the opposite pistons and discharging into the cylinders, a lever arm carried by the stem of said valve, a connecting rod therefrom, and means upon one of said axles for automatically operating said rod.

11. In a device of the class described, a carriage mounted for offsetting movement, parallel axles carried thereby, a block provided with downwardly open bearings adapted to embrace said axle and suspend the block intermediate thereof, guide rods extending through said block and connected at opposite ends to said carriage between the axles, and means carried by the block for effecting an offsetting by longitudinal movement of said rods. 7

12. In a device of the class described, a carriage mounted for offsetting movement, parallel axles carried thereby, a block provided with downwardly open bearings adapted to embrace said axle and suspend the block intermediate thereof, guide rods extending through said block and connected at opposite ends to said carriage between the axles, means upon the axles to prevent axial movement of the block thereon, and frictionally controlled means mounted upon one axle for effecting an offsetting move ment of the carriage by a sliding movement of said rods through the block.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

HUGO BIEDERMANN. 

